Twilight stood in line at the First Bank of Maretropolis early in the morning. After finally receiving her first paycheck from Raven, she figured it would be a good idea to open an account here in the city. She asked Spike if he wanted to do the same, but Rarity had texted him asking for help and he quickly bolted for her shop.

“Well, it’s not as if he’s going to be living here for very long,” she said to herself. “And who knows where his career will take him? Maybe he’ll end up back in Coltifornia?”

As Twilight waited in line, she heard people shouting from outside. After a few seconds the doors were kicked open and five people entered the building. They each wore a vest over a white t-shirt, blue jeans and a black mask over their eyes. Each of them also wore a studded leather collar. They all had slightly upturned noses and large forearms.

The one in the middle stepped forward and began barking orders. “ALRIGHT, EVERYONE! ON THE GROUND! THE DIAMOND DOGS ARE HERE TO MAKE A WITHDRAW!!!” He motioned to one of them to watch the door.

Nearly everyone in the bank panicked and cowered on the floor. In the confusion, Twilight managed to make her way to an empty office. “I probably should let the police handle the situation here, but I’m not about to let my first paycheck get stolen just like that,” she mumbled as she closed the door. “Of all the days for Rarity to ask Spike for help. Oh, well, I’ll just have to deal with this myself.” Twilight focused and turned into Masked Matter-Horn.

“You know, Rarity,” Spike said. “When you asked me to help you out at your boutique, I thought you meant with heavy lifting. Not this.”

The young man motioned to himself on a stool wearing designer clothes as the fashionista took measurements and stuck pins into the fabric. “Hmm? Oh, sorry if this isn’t what you had in mind, darling. But my model called in sick, and you’re about the same build as him.”

“Don’t you have mannequins for this kind of thing?”

“Yes, but I prefer to use actual people. There’s a certain, je ne sais quoi, about it, darling,” she said spinning her hand around trying to articulate the matter. “Now, hold still and keep your arms up. I don’t want to stick you with a needle.”

Spike obeyed her and stood as still as he could. Rarity continued her work on the clothes, pulling up different swatches of fabric for comparison. Her gem glowed and she levitated a box of turquoise gemstones over to her. With a careful eye, she selected several stones and lined them up with the collar of the jacket. After marking the collar with a pencil, Rarity set the selected gemstones on her worktable and returned the box back to its place.

“Okay, darling. All finished. You can relax, now,” she said. “Just don’t move too quickly. The clothes still have pins in them.”

“Phew, I thought my arms were gonna fall off,” Spike sighed hopping off the stool.

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. It was only twenty minutes,” Rarity said. “I’ve had people stand in place for nearly two hours. Oof, that was such a complicated dress.”

“Well, I’m going change, now. Alright?” he pointed to the changing booth.

“Just a second, darling. I want to get a look at you.” Spike stood there, waiting. “Turn for me. Alright, alright.” Spike turned on the spot, trying to be careful of the pins. “Okay, that’s all. You know? The clothes might not be done, but you look quite good in them.”

“Oh, um…thanks?” he said moving towards the booth.

Rarity pulled a candle out of a cabinet and lit it. “Yeah, you have a good physique. Do you play any sports?” she asked

“Uh, no. Not really,” he said inside the booth. “I did track in high school. But that was it. Never was into sports or anything like that, though.” Spike stepped out of the booth wearing his typical purple hoodie and well-worn jeans.

“Aren’t you hot in that thing? It’s the middle of summer,” Rarity said giving him a quizzical look.

Spike looked at himself and shrugged. “Eh, not really. I like the heat. The cold, however? Bleh, no thanks.” He sniffed the air noticing the burning candle. “Is that lilac I smell?”

“Good nose you have there. Yes, it is,” she indicated the table with the candle. “I hope you don’t mind. I like to put a candle on while doing work.”

“Nah it’s fine. Reminds me of home. My mom would burn scented candles after a hard day’s work to help relax.” Spike leaned up against the table.

Rarity took out a perfume bottle and squeezed the atomizer, spritzing herself. “Mmm, simply divine.”

“Whatcha got there?”

“The latest fad, darling. ‘True Beauty’,” she said holding up a bottle of blue liquid. “Let your inner you shine brightly.”

“Oh, I remember seeing that in J.C. Pony’s. Twi nearly choked on the stuff.”

“How are you guys adjusting to Maretropolis?” Rarity asked putting the bottle down.

“We’re doing good. Twilight’s excited about reorganizing the library. Won’t shut up about it.”

“That’s good. I know how hard it can be moving to a new place.” The violet-haired woman reached behind the counter and brought out a box marked ‘Sugarcube Corner’.

“Ooo, are those some of Pinkie’s cupcakes?”

“Yes, she dropped them off earlier. Though she gave me way too much, again,” she sighed. “I swear that woman is trying to make me fat.”

“What? Naw. Pinkie’s just making sure you have enough,” he said waving her off. “Can I have one?”

“Certainly. Lord knows I have plenty.”

Spike took a cupcake and happily ate it. “Mmm, these things are sooo good.”

“Well, I can’t argue with that,” she said nibbling on one herself.

“So, did you move to Maretropolis?” Spike asked.

“Oh, yes. I moved here from Hooflyn five years ago,” she answered taking another bite from the cupcake.

“You’re from Hooflyn? I don’t hear an accent from you.”

“Oh, well that’s… (sniff, sniff). Is something burning?” Rarity said sniffing the air.

“Huh, I smell smoke too.”

“OH GOD, SPIKE!! YOU’RE ON FIRE!!!” she screamed.

Spike turned and saw a fire spreading up his right arm. He had leaned too close to Rarity’s candle and the sleeve of his hoodie had caught fire. “OH SHIT!!!” he cried out. Frantically he tore his hoodie off and flung it to the floor. He stomped on the jacket in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames. “Dammit, I loved this hoodie.” Spike said, picking the smoldering remains.

Rarity quickly moved to Spike and grabbed his arm. “Are you alright, Spike? You’re not hurt, are you?” She examined his arm for any burns. “Wait, what?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. No harm done.”

“You’re not burned,” she stated. “I don’t understand.”

“Don’t worry about it. I once spilled a mug of scalding hot tea on myself, and I was perfectly fine.”

“Are you sure, darling? You’re not just putting on a brave face?”

“Rarity, relax, I’m fine,” he said pulling his arm away. “I’m more upset about this.” Spike looked at his ruined hoodie.

“That is a shame. You looked quite good in it,” she said crossing her arms. Her eyes then lit up and she moved to the back of the shop. “One moment, darling. I might have something.”

Spike stood there in bewilderment as he watched the voluptuous fashionista walk away. He twisted his hoodie in his hands, unsure as to what he should do. After about a minute, Rarity returned from the back with something folded up in her hands.

“Ta-da! Here you are darling!” she exclaimed shaking out a jacket. It was a short charcoal trench coat. Rarity held it out to Spike, who gave her a confused look. “I know it doesn’t have the same sentimental value, but I think you’ll like it.”

“What do you mean? What is this?”

“It’s a trench coat I designed a few years ago. I had some lying around in the back. Figured giving one to you would be better than letting it gather dust.”

“But why are you giving it to me, Rarity. It was just a hoodie. I can get another.”

“Spike, darling, I know. Consider it payment for helping me out today, and an apology for your hoodie.”

After a moment of consideration, Spike took the coat and handed the burned hoodie to Rarity. He slipped it on and zipped up the front.

“So, how do I look?” he said turning around.

“Very dashing. A handsome look for a handsome man.”

“Oh, really? You think so?” Spike said blushing lightly. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it, darling.”

Spike looked himself over, admiring the new jacket. “I wonder how Twilight’s doing?” he said to himself.

Meanwhile, at the bank, the Diamond Dogs were running around the floor taking anything of value. Two of them were dumping the tills from behind the counters into burlap sacks, while another had moved further into the building to find the vault. The fifth one stood in the center of the room keeping an eye on everyone.

“Alright, everything’s going smoothly,” he murmured to himself. “Hey, Skip! Any sign of the fuzz yet?!” he shouted to the lookout. “Skip?!” he called again.

The man turned to find Skip unconscious on the floor with a massively endowed woman standing over him.

“I’m sorry, but your withdraw has been declined!” Matter-Horn shouted striking a heroic pose. “Now, I’ll kindly ask you to return all that you’ve taken!”

“Who the blazes are you?” the man asked levelling his gun with the woman.

“Who am I? Well, you certainly don’t pay attention to the news,” Matter-Horn said flipping her hair. “I am the beautiful Masked Matter-Horn. Protector of love and justice. And I’m here to stop you evildoers.” She punctuated the last word by jabbing a finger at him.

“HEY, BOYS!! COME ‘N GET A LOOK AT THIS!!” he shouted over his shoulder. The two who were emptying the tills stopped what they were doing and rushed over to him. “This chick with huge knockers here wants to play hero.”

“Haha, that’s funny, Buck,” one of them said to the first. “Remember what happened to the last guy who did that?”

“Yeah, he ended up holier than swiss cheese,” the other one answered.

“My thoughts exactly,” Buck said taking aim on the busty woman, “BLOW HER AWAY!!!”

The other two Diamond Dogs obeyed and all three unloaded their clips at Matter-Horn. The young heroine barely had time to react and leapt to the side. She dove behind a counter and charged her gem.

“You know? You’re pretty light on your feet!” Buck said as they reloaded. “I’m surprised you can move so fast with those giant water balloons!”

“Oh, I’m full of surprises!” Matter-Horn shouted as she jumped up from behind the counter. She zapped one of the Dogs before he had time to reload.

“Don’t just stare at her! Fucking shoot, her!” Buck hollered at the other one. They both quickly reloaded their guns and began firing again.

Matter-Horn was more prepared this time and erected a magic barrier around herself. “Haha! Your bullets are no match for my magic!” she laughed heartily, causing her breasts to jiggle. “HAHAHA-OW!!” Matter-Horn felt a sharp pain and grabbed her shoulder.

“What’s the matter? Can’t handle a few magic-piercing rounds?” Buck taunted the superheroine. “All your fancy magic ain’t nothing against one of these babies.” He cackled and continued firing.

“Uh-oh.” Matter-Horn squeaked and jumped behind the counter again. She crawled on the floor while trying to come up with a plan. A couple of the tellers were huddling on the floor trying to be as small as possible. “Don’t worry, I’ll stop these creeps,” Matter-Horn whispered to them. “I just need to think of something.”

“Who are you?” the one teller asked staring at her in disbelief.

“Didn’t you hear? I’m Masked Matter-Horn.” The busty superheroine looked around the area trying to come up with something. She spotted a computer under the counter and got an idea. “Are you guys insured?” she asked them.

“Uh…yeah. Why?” he said hesitantly.

“Because, I’m going to need this,” she said grabbing the computer and ripping out the cords.

“COME OUT, COME OUT!! MISS SUPERHERO!!!” Buck shouted. “THIS GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK IS GETTING KINDA OLD! LET’S BE CIVILIZED ABOUT THIS!! NO NEED FOR ALL THIS VIOLENCE!!!”

There was a clatter and Buck turned his attention to the noise.

“Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot!” the one teller cried as he stood up, hands over his head. “I can give you the passcodes to the vaults downstairs.”

“Well, shit! Why didn’t ya say so sooner?” Buck said with a wide grin. “Save us a helluva lot of trouble, fellow. Come over here. Don’t be shy, we mean you no harm.”

The teller began to comply and stepped towards the two gunmen. As he did so, his right hand twitched ever so slightly.

“HYAAAH!!!” came a woman’s cry and a computer hurtled through the air.

Buck and the other Dog took notice of this and fired several rounds at the flying object. The ruined computer crashed to the floor in pieces and the two men looked at it in bewilderment.

“Gotcha!” Matter-Horn shouted. She touched the Dogs guns and her gem flashed.

“What the? Where’d you come from?!” Buck and the other Dog stepped back from the well-endowed woman.

“End of the line for you.”

“I think you got that backwards, sweetheart,” Buck said with a sneer. (click, click, click) Rover and the other man squeezed the triggers of their guns to no avail. Instead of bullets, a stream of bubbles shot out of the gun barrels. “What the hell?”

“So much for your fancy bullets,” Matter-Horn quipped as her gem flashed again. The four Diamond Dogs found themselves magically bound together. Two of them unconscious. “Well, that’s taken care of. Now, to wait for the authorities to arrive and-“

“Heh heh heh,” Buck chuckled.

“What’s so funny, tough guy?”

“Hahaha! You forgot there were five of us!”

“Wait, what?” Matter-Horn suddenly felt two burly arms wrap around her waist. She twisted her neck to see the one that had disappeared earlier behind her.

“Hey, lookie what I caught, Buck!”

“Good work, Jackson. Looks like we got ourselves a shiny new toy.”

“One that squeaks, too,” Jackson said groping her breasts.

“Ah, no, stop,” she whimpered, and her gem began to glow. “Don’t! Touch! ME!!”

There was a bright flash and a wave of energy erupted from Matter-Horn. The Diamond Dog was sent flying, slamming into the wall.

“Ew! Just ew!” Matter-Horn said wrapping her arms around her chest. “Okay, now we wait for the authorities to arrive.” She bound the fifth Diamond Dog to the rest.

“Come a little closer, sugartits,” Buck said in a gravelly voice. “Lemme get a good whiff of you.” He stuck his nose out trying to smell her. “Betcha smell real nice.”

“What? No! You stay over there, pervert!” she said taking a few steps away. “Oh, thank goddess, the police are finally he- Are you kidding me?”

“MCPD! Nobody move!” Flash Sentry hollered as entered the bank. He spotted Matter-Horn and sighed. “Dammit not you again.”

“Detective Valerius, how nice to see you again,” Matter-Horn greeted the officer with a wide grin.

“Yes. ‘Nice’,” he said through clenched teeth. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“I happened to be in the neighborhood, and I saw these ruffians robbing the place,” she indicated to the bound Diamond Dogs.

Flash turned to the five men and raised an eyebrow. “No busty magicians this time? Ones that you happen to blast away before the police arrive?”

“No, it’s just these ‘Diamond Dogs’. At least that’s what I think they are.” She said waving her hand. “And I didn’t mean to send Trixie flying. It just sorta…happened.”

“Right, right.”

A few police moved past Flash and Matter-Horn and hauled the incapacitated robbers.

“Don’t think you’ve seen the last of us, sweetheart!” Buck hollered. “Ma will have us out in no time! Diamond Dogs look after their own!”

“Save your breath,” one of the officers grumbled. “You mutts aren’t gonna tunnel your way out of this one.”

Other officers tended to the civilians at the bank and took statements from them.

“Well, everything seems to be okay here,” Matter-Horn said slowly moving to the entrance. “I think I’ll take my leave now.”

“Just a minute, there,” Flash said. “We’re going to need a statement from you. You’ll need to go to the precinct as well, seeing as you’ve made quite a few public appearances.”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, detective,” she said with a nervous smile. “Besides, I’ve got a busy day ahead of me. Plus, who knows when someone like Trixie will attack again.”

“This wasn’t a request,” he said stepping closer. “If you won’t cooperate, I’ll have to arrest you for obstruction of justice.”

“What obstruction? I stopped the bad guys, didn’t I?” Matter-Horn swept her arms out causing her breasts to bounce. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to leave now. Unless you want a repeat of last time?” she raised a glowing hand.

“Tch, just don’t cause any trouble for the police, alright?”

“You have my word, detective Valerius,” Matter-Horn said saluting him before turning around and exiting the building.

“Was that the chick you were talking about?” Brawly Beats asked Flash as he walked past the bouncy superheroine.

“Yeah, it was,” he said crossing his arms. “She’s also the one who stopped the Dogs.”

“And we’re just letting her go? Not gonna take her down to the precinct for questioning?”

“Yes, we are, Brawly. Yes, we are,” Flash said nervously rubbing his crotch.

Meanwhile, in a rundown bed and breakfast on the south-western part of Maretropolis, the Diamond Dogs had set taken over the building. Much like the five from the bank, all of them wore differently colored vests and studded leather collars. They all had upturned noses and bulky forearms.

Several of them sat in a living room watching the news on a flat screen television. The reporter was covering the failed bank heist as footage of an incredibly busty woman in a revealing outfit played on the screen. She stepped out of the building, noticed the crowd of photographers around her, and quickly teleported away.

“God dammit!” a woman shouted and threw a glass of whiskey at the screen. “That was supposed to be an easy job. Who the hell is that bimbo?”

“Careful with the whiskey, mom. It is expensive,” one of the men said, handing her a new glass of booze.

Margaret, ‘Ma’, Diamond was a woman in her mid-fifties. She was on the heavy side, but still exhibited a strong body like the rest of the Diamond Dogs. She wore a red petti coat, a periwinkle skirt, and a diamond-studded collar.

“Uh, Ma? Phone call for you.” One of the Dogs entered the room holding a cordless phone. “It’s them,” he said handing it to her.

“Hello? Yeah, I’m watching the news right now!” she shouted. “I have no idea who the hell that is! Some bimbo playing hero!” Ma Diamond took a sip of whiskey as she listened to the person on the other end. “Uh-huh, uh-huh. Yes, they were using the special rounds. Uh-huh. You don’t need to tell me that, I know the deal! Look, so long as we get our cut, everything’s square. Alright, alright! We’ll get on the next job!” she turned off the phone and slammed it down on the table. “YEESH! Those two fast talkers…I swear they’re trying to swindle us out of our money!”

“So, what’s going on, Ma?” the one closest to her asked.

“Them fellas saw the news, Rover. Aren’t too pleased with the outcome,” Ma Diamond took another sip of whiskey. “Not like I’m too thrilled about it, either. But one failed robbery isn’t anything to get worked up over.”

“So, they want us to rob another bank, right?” a shorter one with curly hair said.

“I would think that’s obvious, Spot!” she barked. “But we’re not gonna go out right yet. The police are on much higher alert now. I didn’t lay low for nearly twenty years just to have it all come crashing down around my ears!”

“But what are we gonna do about that big-booby lady?” a burly redhaired Dog said. “She was able to stop Buck’s group.”

“AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! That little tart giving you some problems?” a woman’s voice rang out through the room.

The Diamond Dogs all turned to the door and saw a large-breasted lady in a skimpy magician’s outfit standing there.

“Just who the hell are you, and how did you get in here?” Ma Diamond demanded.

“I am the great and powerful Trrrrrixie!” she said spreading out her arms so her cape would fly open. “As for how I got in here? Well, it wasn’t too hard. All I had to do was wiggle my body a bit, and your boys just let me in.”

“And that’s as far as you’ll get. Boys! Paint the wall red!!” she ordered.

Every Diamond Dog in the room pulled out a gun and fired on Trixie. The magician simply smirked, and a cloud of purple smoke filled the room. Gunfire rang out but was quickly replaced with the sound of grunts and breaking furniture. When the smoke cleared, Ma Diamond found her boys sprawled around the room with Trixie standing in the middle.

“My, my, how rude. And I came all this way to chat,” she said putting her hands on her hips.

“Forgive me, where are my manners,” the older woman said pulling out her own gun. She squeezed the trigger, but nothing happened.

“Think that’s gonna do anything?” Trixie joked.

Ma Diamond looked at her hand and paused for a second. The gun she was previously holding had morphed into a large vibrator and was buzzing quite loudly. “GAH!” she screamed tossing it away. “Alright, what do you want? Cash? We got plenty of that.”

“Phht! I have no use for money,” Trixie chided. “No, I’m here with a proposition.”

“A proposition? I’m already in the middle of a deal with someone. Don’t need more headaches.”

“Oh, but this concerns a common enemy of ours.”

“And who might that be?”

“That woman from the television. I take it you saw the news recently?”

“That bimbo that took out my boys?” she looked at Trixie with a quizzical eye. “Aren’t you in league with her? You certainly look the part.”

“Me, with that bitch? HA! I would never!” Trixie spat flipping her hair. “She’s second rate compared to me.”

“So, what’s your proposition?”

“I suggest we team up. If you send your boys out again, and they have another run in with the Masked Matter-Horn, I’m certain you’d see a repeat of today.”

“You seem real confident about that,” Ma said knocking back the rest of the whiskey. “How do you know we couldn’t handle her if we send more men?”

“Oh, please. There were ten people in this room, plus yourself, and I completely floored them with ease,” Trixie said spreading her arms out. “Matter-Horn’s inexperienced and she was able to stop five men without much trouble. Plus, there’s her annoying sidekick to think about.”

Ma Diamond sat there for a few moments thinking things over. She traced the rim of her glass with a finger and smacked her lips a couple of times. “What exactly do you have in mind?” she said after a while.

“Well, I could tell you…” the magician said in a coy voice. “But I think it’d be better to show you.” Trixie snapped her fingers and Rover flew up next to her. She placed a hand on his chest and slowly moved it down.

“Please don’t hurt me,” he whimpered.

“Sweetie, if I wanted to hurt you, I would have done so already.” She waved her hand and Rover’s pants undid themselves and slid off, revealing a pair of boxers.

“Is this what you’re gonna show me? That you can take off a person’s pants without touching them?

“Patience. I’ve yet to start.” Trixie hooked her fingers under the waistband and quickly yanked off his boxers.

Rover’s cock flopped out and he winced, preparing for the worst.

“Aw, what’s the matter? Feeling a little shy? No worries, Trixie can take care of that.” She cradled his genitals in her hand and cast a stimulation spell on them. In seconds, Rover’s dick was erect and throbbing. Trixie smiled and pulled the top of her outfit down exposing her breasts. In a swift motion, she took the man’s penis between her tits and began working them methodically.

“OKAY! I’VE SEEN ENOUGH!” Ma Diamond hollered. “I’m not gonna sit here and watch some floozy satisfy one of my boys like a whore. I’m gonna find my big gun.” She stood up and started heading for the door.

“I wouldn’t move if I were you,” Trixie said as her gem began to glow. “One wrong move and I blow a hole the size of a grapefruit through his stomach.”

“Grrr. Fine!” she growled, standing in the doorway facing away. “I won’t go nowhere. But I’m not watching neither.”

“That’s a shame, you’re going to miss out on my show,” she said giving the older woman a wink. Trixie stuck out her tongue and swirled it around the head of Rover’s cock. The man moaned and his head rolled back. After about a minute of teasing, Trixie pulled her breasts away from Rover’s throbbing manhood. She opened her mouth wide and inhaled the fleshy shaft without hesitation. The busty magician’s head bobbed up and down as she sucked on the Diamond Dog’s dick.

Slurping noises filled the room as Trixie continued fellating the man. Ma Diamond squeezed her eyes shut and tried to block out the sound of some tramp just sucking one of her boy’s off right in front of her.

Trixie cradled Rover’s balls and gave them a playful squeeze. She stroked a long finger over his perineum which elicited a light squeal from him. He could feel himself getting close and his cock was becoming painful from the buildup. Trixie could see this on his face and quickened her pace. She felt the precum dribble down her throat and slammed her mouth all the way down on his cock. Had Rover not been suspended in air he surely would have fallen over as his legs turned to jelly. Hot, sticky ropes of semen shot down the woman's throat.

With the sexual energy from Rover, Trixie's gem glowed brightly. Ribbons of periwinkle light wrapped around him like a cocoon. A few seconds passed and the light faded. Rover fell to the floor, crashing through the coffee table below him.

“ROVER!!!” Ma cried out. She turned to Trixie and glared at her. “What did you do to him? My boy better not be hurt.”

“Oh, please,” she said standing up wiping her mouth. “After what I did to him, he’d survive being hit by a truck.”

“Rover? Are you okay?” Ma Diamond asked moving closer to him. “Speak to me.”

“I feel better than okay, Ma,” he said standing up. The older woman gasped upon seeing her son. “In fact, I feel like I could take on the entire Maretropolis police department.”

“You turned out better than I expected,” Trixie said with a grin. “I can’t wait to take you out for a test drive.”

Twilight returned to the library and let out a sigh. She was glad to be back, but she still had to deal with the wound on her arm. As she moved to the stairs, Spike rushed down them.

“Oh, god! There you are!” he shouted grabbing ahold of her shoulders. “I saw the news. Are you okay? Why didn’t you text me?”

“Spike, I’m fine. Well, except for this.” Twilight pulled away from her brother and showed him the bullet wound. “It hurts, but at least the bleeding stopped.”

“Let’s go talk to Celestia. Maybe she or Raven can help you.”

The two siblings moved up the stairs to the main office.

“I’m sorry, I can’t help you,” Raven said to the two from the other side of her desk.

“What? Why not?” Spike said with a hint of indignation. “Can’t you use your magic to heal her, or something?”

“I’m not gifted that way, Mr. Stellanis,” she responded without hesitation. “Very few psions are. The best I could do is clean the wound and apply a bandage.”

“What good is your magic then?” he grumbled and crossed his arms.

“Spike, it’s fine. It’s not as if the wound is deep,” Twilight tried to comfort her brother. “Besides, it would be better if I went to a professional to handle this.”

“That may be, but we can’t risk you going to the hospital,” Raven quickly said. “They would ask questions. Ones you wouldn’t be able to answer.”

“Well, then what are we supposed to do?!” Spike screamed jumping out of his chair. “Just slap a band aid on and hope for the best?!”

“Spike, please. There’s no need to shout,” Twilight said grabbing his arm.

“Ahem,” Celestia cleared her throat. “I think what Raven is trying to say is that we visit someone who can take care of our superheroine. One who’s familiar with our situation and won’t blab to anyone.”

“You know someone like that?” Twilight asked raising an eyebrow.

“But of course,” Celestia chuckled. “Who would I be without a few connections? Spike? I already told you about her.”

“You did?” he held his chin and thought for a moment. “Oh yeah, you did.”

“Raven? Call Meadowbrook. Let her know we’ll be at her place shortly.”

“Of course, mistress,” Raven bowed her head and picked up her phone.

“Wait, we? Are you coming with us?” Twilight asked Celestia.

“Yeah, I figured it’s time I got out of this old building,” she sighed. “Been cooped up here for so long, I think I’m going a little crazy.”

“A little?” Spike said with a tone of doubt.

“Well, up until you two showed up, she would pass the time watching Netflix and porn,” Raven stepped in, putting her phone down. “So, it’s certainly possible.”

“That’s enough. They don’t need to hear anymore,” Celestia snapped. “So, what did she say?”

“She said she’d be delighted to see you and your newest protégé.”

“Excellent! Let’s get going!”

“You want me to call a taxi?” Twilight asked pulling out her phone.

“No need,” Raven said picking up Celestia’s orb. “I have my own car.”

“Wait, you have a car?” Spike said suddenly. “So why have Twilight and I been riding in taxis to get groceries?”

“Spike, now’s not the time,” Twilight said ushering him to the door. “I’d like to get this taken care of.”

Raven drove them to Meadowbrook’s place in upper Maretropolis. Spike sat in the back seat holding Celestia in his lap, still grumbling about the car situation.

“Oh, quit your whining,” Twilight said from the front seat. “It’s not like having a car would make a world of difference.”

“Well, we wouldn’t have to wait for taxi to arrive, and pay the driver every time,” he pouted.

“True, but then we’d have to deal with parking,” she retorted. “And we’d probably have to use a garage, which costs money.”

“Yeah, but…still…”

“Okay, we’re here,” Raven said pulling into a parking lot behind a small strip mall.

“Ah, ‘Meadowbrook’s Herbal Remedy’,” Celestia said. “Haven’t been here in a while.”

“At least seven years, mistress,” Raven added.

“Well, let’s not wait any longer,” Twilight said hurrying to the front.

“Oh, yes. Indeed.”

The front door swung open and a woman burst out. “TIA! IT’S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!” she shouted snatching the glowing orb from Spike, pushing it into her cleavage. “I had heard you were a bit different, but I wasn’t expecting this.”

Meadowbrook was a woman who appeared to be in her forties, though knowing Celestia and the others, she could be much older. She had frizzy red hair that was done up in an elaborate braid, a small face with bright turquoise eyes, and full lips that were in a perpetual smile. The woman wore a small white wrap around her chest, a long green skirt and went bare foot. She was a little taller than Twilight and had a slightly larger chest as well. However, her butt was considerably bigger than the young librarian’s. It was wider than her shoulders and stuck out like a shelf.

“It’s good to see you too, Meddy,” Celestia said from between Meadowbrook’s breasts. “Do you think we could take this inside? I have someone here who needs to be taken care of.”

The bubbly woman turned to Twilight and noticed her clutching her arm. “Oh, sorry sweetie. I got a little carried away there,” she apologized handing Celestia back to Spike and put an arm around Twilight. “So, you’re the new Ourania Misty was telling me about? She was right. You do have a nice figure. Come in, come in. Let’s have a look at that arm. I’ll get you patched up in no time.”

“Oh, um, thank you?” Twilight was pulled into the shop and the rest followed.

Meadowbrook’s shop was a humble one. Hardwood floors with oakwood shelves painted forest green. The shelves were lined with jars of differently colored herbs, spices, and liquids. One section had mortar and pestles for sale, while another had books on homemade remedies. The inside had a pungent smell that opened the sinuses. Meadowbrook directed Twilight to a corner and sat her down on a stool.

“Okay, sweetie, I need to get a look at that arm.”

“Oh, right.” Twilight gingerly removed her hand and a bit of blood came away.

“Alright, let’s get that cleaned up, first,” she said grabbing a jar of antibiotic and a clean rag.

“Zecora not here today?” Celestia asked as Meadowbrook worked.

“No, she took the week off to take care of family business. It’s just me here.” She moistened the rag with the antibiotic and held it up to Twilight’s arm. “This’ll sting a bit, sweetie.”

“Okay, whenever you’re read-AH!” Twilight screamed as the apothecary dabbed at her arm.

“Just hold on a little longer,” Meadowbrook said using the other end of the cloth to continue. “So, you’re Tia’s newest girl? How do you like it so far?”

“It’s okay, I guess,” she shrugged. “Surprising for the most part. Learning about this brand-new aspect of myself I didn’t even know about. I’m still getting used to these.” Twilight pointed to her chest.

“I know what you mean,” the woman said setting the rag down. She grabbed a few jars of herbs from the shelf and a mortar and pestle. “I got myself a rather large derriere when I awakened. I was knocking over things everywhere I went. Knocked over a few boys, too. If you know what I mean?”

“I think I do.”

Meadowbrook measured out the herbs into the mortar and began to crush them. After a few moments they were a fine powder and she took a jar of some thick liquid off the shelf. She spooned out a little into the mortar and mixed the powder into it. As she stirred, her hand glowed a faint blue. The mixture glowed for a brief moment before returning to normal.

“Okay, sweetie, ready?” she smeared a bit of the mixture onto a strip of cloth and moved over to Twilight.

Twilight held out her arm and prepared herself for another sting. However, it didn’t come. Instead she felt a cooling sensation as Meadowbrook wrapped the cloth around the wound. “Huh, I was expecting it to burn. Even a little. But this feels nice.”

“Hm? Oh, yeah. I tend to make poultices like this,” she said tying the cloth. “I work a bit of my magic into it. Helps with the recovery and inflammation. Alright, that should do it. Keep that on for a few hours, and you’ll be right as rain.”

“Thank you. How much do I owe you?” she said reaching for her purse.

“Oh, sweetie, you don’t owe me anything,” Meadowbrook waved her off. “I’m always happy to help out Tia’s people. And judging from the news, I’ll be doing this more in the future.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Twilight sighed. “First there was Trixie and her nonsense. Now there’s these Diamond Dogs with their magic-piercing rounds. It’s a whole mess.”

“Magic-piercing rounds? Like, bullets that can penetrate magic shields?” Meadowbrook asked with a concerned look.

“Wait, you didn’t mention this before,” Celestia said from across the room. Spike moved closer bringing the orb with him. “The Dogs are using special rounds now?”

“Where would they get them?” Meadowbrook said to Celestia.

“Who knows? Would they know anyone that could get them?”

“What are magic-piercing rounds?” Spike asked

“Pretty much what they sound like,” Raven answered. “Basically, it’s a bullet that’s been enchanted to break through a psion’s barrier. They’re restricted to military use, but that doesn’t stop people from manufacturing and selling them.”

“Twilight, if this gang is using these bullets, I want you to be extremely careful,” Celestia warned the young woman. “If they’re being provided with such firepower, someone with a lot of power is backing them. The question is who?”

“You don’t think it’s Filthy Rich, again, do you?” Meadowbrook said. “He certainly has the money to do so.”

“No, even that guy isn’t foolish enough to pull that kind of crap.”

The five people stood quietly in the shop thinking over the unfolding situation. Celestia, Raven and Meadowbrook were all deep in thought trying to puzzle out the mystery. Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike exchanged confused looks, completely in the dark.

“Well, whatever the future may hold, be sure to call me if you ever need anything,” Meadowbrook said breaking the silence. “Keep me posted, too. I’m always happy to help.”

“We will,” Celestia said. “I might start reaching out to the others, just in case.”

“Good luck with Rockhoof,” the apothecary said putting her tools away. “None of us have heard from him in fifteen years. Not since that day.”

“I hope he’s doing alright.”

In the middle of the city, in one of the tall hotel buildings, two men conducted their business. One of them was busy pouring food coloring into small bottles of water and sticking labels to them. The other was using his magic to enchant boxes of bullets.

“How goes the side business, brother?” one asked.

“All good brother,” the other answered. “People will buy anything with a catchy slogan and fancy names. What about you brother?”

“Same here. Just finishing up this last box of bullets,” the first said. The box he was holding glowed green for a moment then returned to normal. “It was truly a stroke of genius to hire that band of mutts to do all the heavy lifting for us.”

“Right you are. Who cares if a few get caught by the police?”

“I’m certainly losing no sleep over it. Though, I am concerned with this superheroine they had a run in with today. She could pose a problem.”

“A problem how? With a couple more bank heists, we’ll have more than enough money. We can worry about what’s-her-name later.”

“I like the way you think, brother.”

Author's Note

Finally finished chapter 9. This took way longer than it should have. I wanted this done by the end of October, but I kept reworking things to fit better. Well, anyway...

So we have the reveal of the Diamond Dogs. Been teasing them for a few chapters now, figured actually showing them would be a good idea. The overall inspiration behind them was the Beagle Boys from the Ducktales series. Ma Diamond even being based off Ma Beagle. A group of criminals that mainly steal money and jewelry. Now we've got Trixie teaming up with them. What nefarious plans does she have?

Got some more development with Spike and Rarity in the chapter too. I hope it reads alright and doesn't feel forced or anything. The jacket she gives him is this one. It's apparently a trench coat. Spike seems a bit nonplussed about being on fire. Even unharmed from the whole ordeal.

We also saw the introduction of Meadowbrook. Her running a herbal shop was the most logical conclusion I could come to. It was what she was doing in the show anyway. Zecora's there as her assistant too. Or, well, she will be. Is she an Ourania? we'll have to wait and see. I like the idea of Meadowbrook being bottom heavy as well. As with the other characters, we'll be seeing a lot of different body types. I'll slowly be bringing in the other Pillars over the course of the story.

Regarding the 'magic-piercing rounds'. Well, I had the thought that a technology would evolve differently with the inclusion of magic. Particularly weaponry. If someone can create a shield out of magic, it stands to reason that someone else would make bullets that can punch through. But as I said, they're basically illegal. I'll go into how the world developed as a result of these differences.

And finally we have the mysterious duo in the hotel. Who may they be? Why did they hire the Diamond Dogs? What are their plans? Find out in the upcoming chapters.

As always, thanks for taking the time to read the chapter. Putting these out are a lot of work. What with having to balance my job. But I love seeing that people enjoy reading it, and I always love getting comments from you guys. If you have anything to say, don't hesitate to do so. Tell me what you liked, what you didn't like, and what may need improvement. That's all for now.

See you next chapter.